Open Session Call for Papers: Using Oral History to Document the Histories of Library Associations and Evolving Library Practice
Library History Special Interest Group with IFLA Sections of Preservation and Conservation, Information Technology, Library and Research Services for Parliaments, Library Theory and Research, and the Kazakhstan Library Union
Session Theme:
A Focus on Diverse Communities and Ethical Preservation in the Digital Age
Libraries and archives play a pivotal role in documenting the histories of library associations, yet challenges persist in preserving these narratives—particularly those of underrepresented communities and born-digital records. This call for papers invites contributions that explore the opportunities and challenges of using oral history to document the histories of library associations and their evolving practices, with a focus on diversity, collaboration, and preservation in the digital age.
Call for Papers:
The IFLA Special Interest Group Library History, together with the IFLA Sections of Preservation and Conservation, Information Technology, Parliamentary Libraries, Library Theory and Research, (to be confirmed) and the Kazakhstan Library Union are seeking proposals for papers to be presented at a session to be held at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, 18-22 August 2025. Papers should reflect the conference theme, “Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future”
Themes and Objectives
This call aims to advance discussions around oral history’s role in documenting library association histories, addressing critical questions such as (not limited to.):
- How can oral history initiatives overcome the tension between subjective memory and historical accuracy?
- What is the role of archivists as curators versus creators of records, particularly in oral history projects?
- How can libraries and archives ensure the preservation and accessibility of born-digital records?
Contributions are encouraged to address the following themes:
1. Oral history and archival theory
- How has oral history challenged and informed archival theory and practice over the past fifty years?
- What ethical, human-centered approaches can libraries adopt to integrate oral histories into their collections?
- Reconfiguration of the role of librarians and archivists in the development of oral historiography: from ‘custodians of knowledge’ to ‘creators of knowledge’
2. Diversity and sustainability in oral history projects
- Case studies highlighting oral history projects that document diverse and underrepresented voices.
- Examples of library and archival initiatives that connect with communities to preserve cultural and professional heritage.
- Models that ensure the sustainability of projects and programs that seek to document the history of the field.
3. Preserving born-digital content
- Challenges and best practices for managing born-digital records in the context of library association histories.
- Strategies for ensuring long-term access, curation, and stewardship of digital content.
4. Global perspectives on library association histories
- Insights from international organizations on the preservation of library professional association histories, as discussed at IFLA and other forums.
- Collaborative efforts across continents to document and share the histories of library and information science associations.
- Comparative regional studies: comparing differences in the development of library associations in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, etc.
5. Innovative approaches and future directions
- Exploring new methodologies for recording, preserving, curating and disseminating oral histories.
- The potential for interdisciplinary collaborations to address the evolving needs of the field.
- Exploring the indicators and methods for assessing the quality of oral history work
- Exploring the use of AI and machine learning in the preservation and analysis of oral histories.
- Discussing the role of digital tools in improving the accessibility and usability of oral history archives.
Why Participate?
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a global dialogue on documenting library association histories, addressing pressing issues in the preservation of oral and born-digital histories, and shaping future practices in the profession.
Submission Guidelines
Proposals should include a title, abstract (max. 300 words), and a brief biography of the author(s). Please submit your proposals to [insert contact email] by [insert deadline].
90 Minutes
Important dates & deadlines:
- 30 April, 2025– Deadline for submission of proposal abstract
- 13 May, 2025 – Notification of acceptance
- 20 July, 2025 – Submission of Full-Text of Paper
- 20 July, 2025 – Deadline for submission of presentation slides
Submission guidelines
We invite submissions of research papers, case studies, and reflective essays that align with the themes above. Join us in advancing the historical and cultural preservation of our profession, ensuring that diverse voices and digital records are not only documented but celebrated for generations to come.
Proposals should include:
- Title of proposed presentation
- Abstract of proposed paper (no more than 300 words)
- Name of presenter plus position and/or title
- Employer / affiliated institution
- Contact information including email address, telephone number
- Short biographical statement of presenter
Send proposals via email to: IFLA LIBHIST SIG <iflalibhistsig@gmail.com>
Use subject line: WLIC 2025 LIBHIS-SIG
Please note:
- At least one of the paper’s authors must be present to summarize the paper during the program in Astana. Abstracts are to be submitted only with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.
- The language of the session is expected to be English.
- All papers presented at the WLIC 2025 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All papers must be unpublished and not previously presented.
- Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2025 session.
- Authors of accepted papers must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodations, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial support.
Congress Participation Grants
A list of opportunities for support is available on the Grants & Awards webpage.
Professor
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Center for Global Studies, Director
International and Area Studies Library, Head
IFLA Journal, Editor
Affiliate Faculty:
Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies
European Union Center
Phone: 217.265.7518
Email: swwitt@illinois.edu
Orchid ID: 0000-0001-5931-4774
